During today’s press conference, on the eve of the clash between AC Milan and Atalanta, Stefano Pioli was asked about various topics including the Chukwueze-Pulisic battle. The manager’s response was loud and clear.
The signing of Christian Pulisic has been praised by many as Milan paid a mere €20m for his services (plus bonuses). So far, he has eight goals and seven assists to his name in all competitions, now considered the undisputed starter on the right flank.
During his pre-Atalanta press conference, Pioli was asked about what Chukwueze needs to do in order to compete with the American. The manager’s response was clear and perhaps even a bit harsh, sending a clear message to the Nigerian.
“They have the same characteristics. Pulisic scores goals, assists and works. Chukwueze must score goals, assists and work,” Pioli stated.
The game against Atalanta is scheduled for 20:45 CET tomorrow and after the 3-2 defeat Rennes, the Rossoneri will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance. It won’t be easy, though, as the Bergamo side have been in tremendous form as of late (7 games, 6 wins, 1 draw).
Furthermore, a win for Atalanta tomorrow would bring them four points within Milan, with a game in hand as well.
Some players take more time to settle than others, especially those who have missed the preason. In one hand we have the Haaland, Ronaldo Da Lima and in our case Pulisic and on the other hand we have the Vinicius and in our case Tonali and Leao.
With that said, there is a LOT Chukwueze should do to improve. For starters, I think he should avoid overcomplicating stuff and adopt a simpler, more straigthforward way of playing.
I noticed (but that’s maybe just me), that he wastes a bit of time and opportunities trying to beat the man in front of him, ending up confused and not knowing what to do and either losing the ball or having to pass it backwards.
To put it simply, he should take a page from Pulisic’s book, who is way less flashy and way more effective.
Shall he succeed to do that, we could say that the right wing is secure, and we will have more money for fewer positions this summer, but if he fails next season, I hope the management will understand what is wrong with their algorithm.
I think chukwu needs more time to settle, even leao took sometime break out. His last performance was promising…
You can tell Chuk is in his own head too much. Same thing happened to CDK. Definitely needs more time BUT also needs to do more with the opportunities he gets.
He’s trying to hard to dribble, and it doesn’t work often. SO instead just try to run at defenders with pace instead of slowing down to dribble… I don’t know.
But Pioli is right. Chuk needs to start showing signs of improvement.
Leão was 20 when he joined us not 24
I agree with your assessment. In my honest opinion (I’m no coach btw), I feel he doesn’t fit Pioli’s system. I feel he’s better served running the channels, lurking on the shoulders of his marker looking to run in-behind onto through balls instead of trying to make the play which is what the wide players do in Pioli’s system. I can’t remember the last time I saw Leao consistently running in-behind onto through balls (which I believe that is the best version of Leao) despite his pace & power. It doesn’t help that our midfielders have almost zero creativity but that’s how Pioli likes his midfielders so… 🤷🏾♂️
There’s also the fact that most teams sit on a low block against us conceding very little space in-behind.
I’m still hoping he adapts & comes good eventually.
pulisic already beat anything brahim diaz did, so i hope sempremilan will stop sucking brahim off
No better than Messias and Saelemaekers
When Pulisic is being well-defended, having an average day, or the game is not coming to him, he doesn’t generally make mistakes. He cuts his losses, does what he can to help the system, controls the ball and dishes off to someone else, and lives to fight another day when he can once again impress with his flashy offensive skills. This will not get any media attention, but is one of the most important contributions a player can make.
Chuk tries a little too hard to beat his man and turns over the ball a bit too much. Turnovers matter greatly.
Of course, good strikers have to try things and take risks and can’t be too afraid to go at people. But there’s wise judgement involved as to when to do it. Pulisic seems to have slowly gotten better at making these kinds of wise decisions.
Don’t f*** with the Chuck!
Same story. I call it the Not Good Enough For Milan symdrome. When a decent player comes in and immediately turns to shite after realizing he is supposed to perform for Milan. You can tell mentally they are f*)(*ed and they won’t succeed. They are somehow paralyzed by their own excitement and become some kind of passive passenger. Chukwueze is one of the them. Sell ASAP. His mentality works better in a smaller team, having smaller goals.
Same story. I call it the Not Good Enough For Milan symdrome. When a decent player comes in and immediately turns to poop after realizing he is supposed to perform for Milan. You can tell mentally they are f-ed and they won’t succeed. They are somehow paralyzed by their own excitement and become some kind of passive passenger. Chukwueze is one of the them. Sell ASAP. His mentality works better in a smaller team, having smaller goals.
Pulisic is the 2nd or 3rd fastest player on the Team.
1. Tomori
Pulisic I dont think Leo is faster than pulisic.
Musah Theo
Chuck and Okafor arent very fast
Chukweze is the most one-footed player I’ve ever seen. He’s so predictable. Meanwhile, Pulisic has been highly productive cutting in on his weak foot (for instance the golaso against Monza). Just one illustration of two players who are miles apart.
LARS , I could not agree with you more !!! Chuk plays right wing and could be wide open and still could not cross the ball with his right foot. Who the hell was responsible for getting him !!!!!!!
so ziemlich alle wollten ihn!